Thalamic DBS with a constant-current device in essential tremor: A controlled clinical trial
Recommended Citation
Wharen RE, Jr., Okun MS, Guthrie BL, Uitti RJ, Larson P, Foote K, Walker H, Marshall FJ, Schwalb J, Ford B, Jankovic J, Simpson R, Dashtipour K, Phibbs F, Neimat JS, Stewart RM, Peichel D, Pahwa R, and Ostrem JL. Thalamic DBS with a constant-current device in essential tremor: A controlled clinical trial. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2017; 40:18-26.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2017
Publication Title
Parkinsonism & related disorders
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study of thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) investigated whether a novel constant-current device improves tremor and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with essential tremor (ET).
METHODS: A prospective, controlled, multicenter study was conducted at 12 academic centers. We investigated the safety and efficacy of unilateral and bilateral constant-current DBS of the ventralis intermedius (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus in patients with essential tremor whose tremor was inadequately controlled by medications. The primary outcome measure was a rater-blinded assessment of the change in the target limb tremor score in the stimulation-on versus stimulation-off state six months following surgery. Multiple secondary outcomes were assessed at one-year follow-up, including motor, mood, and quality-of-life measures.
RESULTS: 127 patients were implanted with VIM DBS. The blinded, primary outcome variable (n = 76) revealed a mean improvement of 1.25 ± 1.26 points in the target limb tremor rating scale (TRS) score in the arm contralateral to DBS (p < 0.001). Secondary outcome variables at one year revealed significant improvements (p ≤ 0.001) in quality of life, depression symptoms, and ADL scores. Forty-seven patients had a second contralateral VIM-DBS, and this group demonstrated reduction in second-sided tremor at 180 days (p < 0.001). Serious adverse events related to the surgery included infection (n = 3), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 3), and device explantation (n = 3).
CONCLUSION: Unilateral and bilateral constant-current VIM DBS significantly improves upper extremity tremor, ADL, quality of life, and depression in patients with severe ET.
Medical Subject Headings
Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deep Brain Stimulation; Essential Tremor; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Thalamus; Treatment Outcome
PubMed ID
28400200
Volume
40
First Page
18
Last Page
26
